The Story
May 5, 2019 • Chris Reighley
The Story:
The Bible As One Continuing Story of God and His People
by Mac Lucado & Randy Frazee
The Story tells the grandest, most compelling story of all time!
God goes to great lengths to rescue lost and hurting people. That is what The Story is all about: the story of the Bible, God’s great love affair with humanity. Condensed into 31 accessible chapters, The Story sweeps you into the unfolding progression of Bible characters and events from Genesis to Revelation. Like any good story, The Story is filled with intrigue, drama, conflict, romance, and redemption—and this story’s true!
His baptism inaugurates it. His victory over temptation sets the tone. His miracles, teachings, and parables reveal that He is no ordinary man. He calls disciples, casts out demons, calms storms, and forgives sins. With every step, Jesus shows that the Kingdom of God has come near—and He is the King.
Passages:
- Matthew 3–4, 9, 11, 14
- Mark 1–6
- Luke 4, 8, 10, 15
- John 1–4
Main Idea: Jesus begins His public ministry with power, humility, and authority like no one else.
Lesson 15: Jesus’ Ministry Begins & No Ordinary Man
I. John and Jesus – Baptism & Early Encounters (John 1–2; Matthew 3)
- John the Baptist prepares the way
- Jesus is baptized – The Father’s voice and the Spirit descend
- The Lamb of God is revealed
- Water turned to wine in Cana – Jesus’ first public miracle
II. Temptation in the Wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11; Luke 4:1–13)
- Temptation #1 – Stones to Bread
- Response: “Man shall not live by bread alone…” (Deut. 8:3)
- Temptation #2 – Throw Yourself Down
- Response: “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” (Deut. 6:16)
- Temptation #3 – Worship for Authority
- Response: “You shall worship the Lord your God only.” (Deut. 6:13)
- Jesus passes where Adam and Israel failed
III. Comparison of the Gospels – Unity in Diversity (John 3–4)
- Nicodemus meets Jesus by night – “You must be born again”
- The woman at the well – A Samaritan outcast becomes a witness
- Jesus breaks cultural barriers to offer living water and truth
IV. Power – Miracles and Authority (Matthew 4; Mark 1–3)
- Jesus casts out demons, heals the sick, calms storms
- He teaches with authority—not like the scribes
- Crowds marvel, religious leaders begin to resist
V. Disciples – Who Follows the King? (Matthew 11; Mark 3; Luke 8)
- Jesus calls fishermen, tax collectors, zealots
- They are flawed but chosen—called to learn and serve
- The kingdom grows not through power but through faithfulness
VI. The Parables – Stories that Reveal and Conceal (Mark 4; Luke 10, 15)
- Sower and the Soils – Hearts respond differently to the Word
- Good Samaritan – True neighborly love transcends boundaries
- Lost Sheep, Coin, and Son – The Father rejoices when the lost return
VII. Life in the Kingdom – The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7)
- The Beatitudes – Blessed are the poor in spirit…
- Jesus redefines righteousness—internal, not just external
- Prayer, fasting, forgiveness, and radical love
VIII. To the Other Side – Calming Storms & Casting Out Demons (Mark 4–5)
- Storms obey His voice
- Legion is cast out into pigs
- Power over creation and the spiritual realm
IX. Two Ways to Rule – Compassion vs. Control (Matthew 9; Mark 5–6)
- Jesus heals Jairus’s daughter and the woman with the hemorrhage
- Religious leaders plot, but Jesus moves with mercy
X. “It Is I” – Walking on Water (Matthew 14)
- Jesus walks toward His disciples in the storm
- “Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.”
- Peter walks, then sinks—faith in the midst of fear
XI. The “I Am” – More than a Man (Matthew 14; John echoes)
- Jesus doesn’t just do miracles—He reveals God’s identity
- The Great “I Am” is present among His people
Key Themes & Takeaways
- Jesus’ ministry begins with humility, power, and obedience
- He conquers temptation and calls disciples with grace
- His miracles demonstrate His divinity; His teachings reveal His heart
- He’s no ordinary man—He is the Son of God and Savior of the world